About World Refugee Day 2008
© UNHCR photo
On June 20, we celebrate World Refugee Day. This year, events around the world focus on the fundamental need for protection. For some, this means economic security; for others, protection is freedom from violence and persecution. On World Refugee Day, we turn our attention to the millions of refugees who live without material, social and legal protection.
Since its foundation in 1951, UNHCR has protected tens of millions of refugees. For us, protection consists of tangible improvements in the lives of forcibly displaced people - from the provision of food and shelter to support for those lacking legal status or those wishing to return to their home countries. On World Refugee Day, we commemorate this vital engagement.
Protection is also about raising awareness. We cannot protect refugees if their plight remains invisible. On World Refugee Day, we will highlight the universal nature of protection. Not only are refugees protected all around the globe, but the responsibility for protection is equally global.
Ultimately, protection is a challenge that knows no borders. Neither can it be left to a single agency to provide. On World Refugee Day, we are launching a global call for action. We want to promote engagement at the grassroots level, in local communities, workplaces and online. Only through a global network of supporters can we meet the manifold needs of protection.
How can you help?
Online social utilities provide excellent tools for advocacy. Become a fan on Facebook, support our cause and share our videos, photos and latest news with your friends. You can also find us on MySpace, YouTube and Flickr.
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Six athletes to make up Refugee Paralympic Team at Tokyo Games
30 Jun 2021 Competitors in four sports – including first female refugee Paralympian – ready to take to world stage after beating the odds despite being forced to flee their homes. -
'We are the lucky ones'
30 Jun 2021 Ethiopian refugee Mihret hid in the bush for days without food or water, to escape the Tigray conflict. Now safe in Sudan, she is using her engineering skills to assist her community. -
2020 Annual Public Health Global Review
30 Jun 2021 UNHCR aims to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of its persons of concern, enabling them to access safe, effective, equitable and affordable health care services. -
News Comment by UNHCR EU Representative on launch of Slovenian Presidency of the European Union
30 Jun 2021 This news comment is attributable to Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR Representative to the EU, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands -
IPC announces six athletes to compete for the Refugee Paralympic Team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
30 Jun 2021 Joint IPC/UNHCR Press Release -
Responding to the health and protection needs of people selling or exchanging sex in humanitarian settings
30 Jun 2021 This joined UNHCR and UNFPA guidance proposes actions for responding to the health and protection needs of people who sell or exchange sex in humanitarian settings. It covers different settings (e.g. in acute emergencies or during periods of transition or stabilization or protracted displacements; in or out of camp), and different population groups affected by humanitarian crises and highlights alignment with broader human rights frameworks for responding to the health and protection needs of people who sell or exchange sex. -
Global Roundtable charts joint action for protection of forcibly displaced LGBTIQ+ people
29 Jun 2021 Joint Press Release by UNHCR and UN Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity -
Tip sheet on applying the UNHCR age, gender and diversity policy to children
29 Jun 2021 -
Tip sheet on applying the UNHCR age, gender and diversity policy to older people
29 Jun 2021